The Spitfire Grill captured the Audience award at 1996's Sundance Film Festival, which is a surprise considering how contrived the film is; Sundance audiences are usually much more demanding. Percy Talbott (Elliott) arrives in Gilead, Maine, after being released from prison, having served five years on manslaughter charges. The locals are wary of her, but it doesn't take long for Talbott to soften everyone. She has an angelic quality about her, which keeps the audience wondering how she ever landed on the wrong side of the law. Crusty Hannah Ferguson (Burstyn) hires Talbott to cook in her restaurant, and Talbott, Ferguson and veteran waitress Shelby Goddard (Harden) depend on each other to heal their emotional wounds. A treacly tale loaded with symbolism and tear-jerking moments.